What to look for: Signs of Botulism

After the waterfowl ingest the
toxin they may become sick or
shows signs of illness within a few
hours or up to 2 days later. The
earliest signs are drowsiness,
weakness and incoordination.

Depending on the amount of toxin
ingested, the signs may progress
to drooping or trailing of the wings,
and paralysis of the legs, eyelids
and neck. Birds may experience
difficulty in breathing.The feathers
become ruffled and may be easily
plucked due to the paralysis of
the skin structures.

DEATH usually follows, although
some birds may recover.

How to control it :

Do Not leave decaying matter
around so that your poultry can
have access to it. Collect ALL
carcasses of dead ducks (all poultry)
at least once a day and burn or bury
all the remains from infected fowl.
Drain stagnant pools, and provide
clean drinking water for them
daily. Waterfowl play in drinking
water and it is important to keep
fresh water for them on a regular
basis.

Adding small amounts of
clorox bleach to their swimming pools
(If you use these for ponds or
for a watering system for your
waterfowl) will help decrease
the formation of algae around
the inside edges of these pools.
The bleach will not harm the
birds in small amounts, and is
similar in action to clorination
or our drinking water.

If you provide a proper, clean
and sanitary environment, the
likelihood of abotulism outbreak is
very remote.

"Immunization of ducks against
botulism is not widely practiced."
However, when birds are at risk,
consider vaccination with the type
C toxoid.